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Finding an Index-Friendly Advisor

Since launching Canadian Couch Potato a year ago, I’ve received a number emails from readers who are interested in index funds and ETFs, but who are uncomfortable handling their own investments. Some want a full-service advisor, while others just need a planner who will review their current portfolio and help them create a roadmap for the future. So I’m pleased to announce a new feature called Find an Advisor, a national directory of index-friendly professionals.

Advisors listed in the directory must meet certain criteria. First, they must offer their clients ETFs, index mutual funds, or asset-class funds such as those offered by Dimensional Fund Advisors (which are not available to DIY investors). Financial planners who do not manage portfolios are also included, as long as they have the expertise to help their clients set up a passively managed portfolio.

Second, the advisors must work on a fee-only or fee-based compensation model. If they do receive commissions from products in their lineup (such as Series A mutual funds or advisor-class ETFs), this must be openly disclosed in the listing.

It’s not easy to find an advisor who embraces indexing. I hope this service will help match budding Couch Potatoes with a like-minded financial professional.

Couch Potato Live!

My talk is called “Stay Passive, My Friends,” and is an introduction to index investing. If you’re attending the show, please stop by the Canadian Money Saver booth and say hello. (Unless you’re a dividend investor who wants to hurt me.)

16 Responses to Finding an Index-Friendly Advisor

Hi Dan!
Great job on launching the “Find an Advisor”. I think many people will find it useful, including my self probably. I am still in the deciding stage of what to do and who or if anyone to use. I was thinking about going with INGs investment option that they have for ETFs and Indexes I think.

Also I seen that you will present at the “Investment Show” yesterday in the Globe. They had a pullout on the show and the schedule.

I appreciate you adding a list of index-friendly advisors. Your site helped me gain the confidence needed to manage my investments on my own, but my portfolio is small enough that I can afford to make a few mistakes (taxation, etc.) and learn from them. Couch Potatos with a larger portfolio may not want to take that risk and these financial professionals will be a good fit for them.

@ThinkDividends: Well, my arguments are all out in the open. I would welcome Derek or anyone else to put together a series of posts that challenge what I’ve written. Personally, I’m ready to move on — this was exhausting.

To my way of thinking, opening an account at Vanguard’s S&P 500 or Total Market Index funds is not rocket science.

However, I to realize that many people just are afraid to manage their money themselves.

And a good financial advisor can do a lot of other things. People need to look at their overall finances and create a budget, be covered by life insurance, have a will and a living trust, and pay off their debts.

For some people, that almost is rocket science. I’m afraid I learned a lot about those things the hard way – through experience.

And that doesn’t include the opposite side of the coin — increasing income. Lots of people need someone to guide them in setting up a home business, or career counseling, or more schooling, or just a second job. Whatever is best for them.

Too many “personal finance” blogs and books assume that what you’re making now is all that you can make.

Thanks Dan, good idea with the advisor list.
I frankly do not understand all the jabs between dividends and index investing.(or I need to lighten up as it is just for fun). They work so well together. It’s not one or the other!

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